Sakura Con!

But before I get into the details of the event. I’d like to let anyone reading this know that I was accepted into Western Washington University and I will be attending this Fall. I’m excited and nervous and a whole bunch of feelings I’d be better off not describing. I am very thankful for everyone’s support and advice in my time of need. I could not have made the decision without you.

On to the main event… Sakura Con was incredible! Preparation for my costume as Asuma Sarutobi from the Naruto realm was much harder and more exhaustive than I expected. There were several steps I had in mind, and I worked on a plan of what the finished product would look like. I’ve included in the photos below steps of my progress during the night.

This is the top of the shoulder section

The collar I prepared to attach

Wearing the 60% finished vest

Sewing the top section of the vest

Working on sewing the back together

The pockets sewed onto the front of the vest

Finishing the zipper to hold the front together

The right side of the zipper on the front

Zipper attached and vest lined up properly

Front pocket close up

Sewing together the front pockets to the vest

Aligning the pockets using painters tape

The sewing machine I used (Sears Brand)

Front pockets finished

Unworked back section before sewing

Measured front vest sections aligned

I was very proud of my work, yet at the convention there were only a handful of people who had asked to take my picture. I don’t mind though, I’m not vain enough to dress up solely for the attention pictures give me. I admit however I did feel exactly like Asuma.

Sorority Pose

Forgive the cigarrette, I was in character

BAMFs

The group I was with during the convention was insanely chill. I first met Ron, Ben, Thomas, and Chan with Mike while playing Rock Band with them. Not meaning to sound too cocky, but I was the only one other than Ben to hit expert on anything I played. Perhaps my best performance there was 98% Reptilia on expert drums. Gah… I still need to get more Rock Band.

There were a lot of impressive cosplays at Sakura Con, although everyone else in the group who had been there previous years were disappointed in how things turned out in 2009. Regardless, as a first experience, I am definitely going again next year. I’ll be prepared for the madness and lack of sleep each night. In total, I probably only had 9 hours of sleep total for the three nights of Sakura Con.

Let me know what you guys think of the Asuma I did this year. I’ve heard good things so far from people I’ve talked to, and its nice to know I’m doing a good job. Actually I enjoy sewing too, its very relaxing. I’ll sew shit for you, just give me the signal.